COT Ways of Working

This is a paper for discussion. It does not reflect the views of the Committee and should not be cited.

Ways of Working-Science and Research Special Topics Report

1.61          A template and format have been agreed to turn specific COT discussion papers into a “State of the Science” report or a “Science and Research Special Topics Report,” where the paper covered an individual scientific topic rather than being a risk assessment, where a statement would ultimately be published. Such papers have previously only been published in draft, as part of the media for discussion prior to the relevant meeting and are not citable.

1.62          The format will include a cover page summarising the paper, research recommendations and any other relevant information, notably the Committee’s recommendations. Certain documents could form part of the planned COT guidance package, where it was envisaged that the overarching guidance would be complemented by standalone papers on individual topics, as required. Furthermore, citation of such documents would be possible and promote the Committee’s work more widely.

1.63            Paper TOX/2025/09 on Novel Formulations of Supplement Compounds Designed to Increase Oral Bioavailability was used as an example as a formatted Science and Research Special Topics Report.